Obituary of John Loraas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John Loraas on September 21, 2017 at Royal University Hospital. John deeply loved his family and found great pleasure spending time with them. He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren. He took great joy in attending their activities and showed his support in any way he could. He also enjoyed visiting and sharing meals with his many friends. John is well known for the many businesses he founded in Saskatoon. His first business was John Loraas Roofing and Insulation followed by The Rent-It-Store and then Interprovincial Piling Ltd. He had the foresight to see the direction in which Saskatoon's north end was expanding and began buying land and building commercial buildings through what became his longest running company, Jancy Holdings. Farming was one of the highlights in John's life. In the late 1960s, John purchased a farm just south of Clavet. While the focus was on the grain operation, John, at one time, had over 600 pigs and 125 registered Herefords. John was one of the first farmers to pioneer hog barn technology with the University of Saskatchewan. John especially loved harvest time and enjoyed many happy hours working the land. John always had a vision and could see opportunities. He was willing to take calculated (and uncalculated) risks! Hard work and determination were the foundation of his success. John was always quick to reflect on the many people that helped him along the way, especially earlier in life. John was remembered for his passion for hockey both on the ice as a defenseman and as a long time ticket holder of the Saskatoon Blades. He also enjoyed Badminton at the Riverside Badminton Club. He loved old cars and was so proud of the restoration of a 1954 vintage truck. John was an active volunteer throughout his life. John and Joyce had an incredible partnership filled with love and laughter. They enjoyed travelling to many places around the world, including John's dream trip to see Alaska. So many people have been touched by his generosity and kindness. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and took joy in seeing his actions inspire others to "pay it forward". John is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 38 years Joyce; daughters Nancy Loraas (Garry Gray), and her children Elizabeth, Andrew and Margaret Brennan; Jane Williams (Scott), and their children Katryna and Nichelle; stepdaughters Diane Jalbert (Rene), Diane's son Clint Young (Christin), and their daughters Nicole (Gan), Allison (Josh); Glenda Bell (Lorne) and their sons, Kellen (Amanda), Adam (Hope) and Matthew; and stepson David Shockey (Heidi), and their daughters Brittany (Myles), Briana, Thea; and great-grandchild Claire Young; mother, Emma Loraas, brothers Bruce (Marlene), Carman (Carolin Saunders) and Terry (Michelle), sister-in-law Diane Loraas and their families. John was predeceased by his father George Loraas, brother Roy, and the mother of his children Irene Loraas (Rochelle). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to a charity of choice and one or all of the Hospital Foundations